Category: MIL-OSI

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Awards – Winners will not know they have won until it is announced at tonight’s awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers
Taupō-based apprentice Blake Jones-Downes has been awarded one of three prestigious Plumbing World Scholarships, recognising his initiative, professionalism, and versatility at such an early stage in his career.

The third-year Masterlink apprentice received the Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards held on Friday 2 May in Brisbane, Australia.
Blake’s journey has been one of grit, growth, and drive to succeed. From managing his own vehicle to delivering top-tier service and continually finding ways to overcome challenges, he exemplifies everything the industry looks for in its future leaders. His reputation among clients and colleagues alike speaks volumes – he is dependable, skilled, and committed.
Nina Andrews, host employer and Director of McBeth Plumbing & Gas in Taupō, described Blake as a “rising star” in support of his nomination for the scholarship, adding that he is “more than an asset to the business; he’s a shining example of what’s possible when passion, resilience, and innovation come together.”
When asked what achievements and contributions he’s most proud of, Blake says:
“I’m most proud of the work I do that genuinely makes a difference – whether it’s solving a problem for a customer or getting a system back up and running. I’ve always been someone who enjoys problem-solving and figuring out how things work, so being able to do this professionally as part of my trade qualification is something I really love.”
“Blake’s combination of technical expertise, initiative, and work ethic make him an essential part of the business. He goes beyond simply completing tasks – he consistently adds value, demonstrating that he’s not just an apprentice but a future leader in the industry,” says Ms Andrews.
“There is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead, and this award would be a well-earned recognition of his dedication and achievements,” says Ms Andrews.
The Plumbing World Scholarship recognises three Masterlink apprentices each year who demonstrate exceptional commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Recipients receive a $1,000 Plumbing World credit. The overall winner also earns registration, flights, accommodation, and a guest pass for the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Blake was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Rory Van Vroonhoven, while Trent Toomey was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Conference Awards: Full list of winners

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Master Plumbers is pleased to announce the winners and finalists awarded at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday 2 May. The New Zealand Plumbing Awards wraps up our annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference, this year held in Brisbane, Australia.
Plumbing World Scholarships
Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to three Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their assignment completions, and maturity and personal growth over the past year. They are a true asset to their Masterlink Host business.
Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner receiving registration, tickets and travel to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
WINNER Blake Jones-Downes – McBeth Plumbing & Gas, Taupō
WINNER Rory van Vroonhoven – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton
OVERALL WINNER Trent Toomey – Gas & Water Limited, Dunedin
Mark Whitehead Training Leader of the Year
This award recognises an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to help educate and support people entering the industry. The winner will have demonstrated a true commitment to young people entering the industry, and an understanding of efforts required in building knowledge and standards within the sector. He or she deserves to be recognised for hard work and dedication to strengthening the industry.
WINNER Jacob Smith – Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
Product of the Year
This award recognises the significant contribution to product development of a company or individual in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry in the past year.
WINNER Aladdin Easyfit Isolator – Plumbing World
New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Employee of the Year
This award recognises excellence in the trade skills of an individual Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer, who is a respected member of their trade and known for their leadership skills. The winner will have demonstrated ability in trade calculations; in the selection of materials appropriate to the specifications and design of their work; and in applying relevant documentation and regulatory compliance to their work.
WINNER Darrin Minifie – DL Good Plumbers, Auckland
Outstanding Projects Award
The award recognises an exceptional project that displays excellence and high levels of innovative plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying methods, the use of new materials or the innovative use of existing materials.
WINNER Hockly Plumbers, Wellington, for their work on Ngā Mokopuna The Living Building
James Douglas Medallion
The prestigious James Douglas Medallion has been awarded each year since 1948. It recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment, and determination to achieve industry success. Young people are the lifeblood of our industry, and it is important we can attract and retain the best young people entering the workforce.
The overall James Douglas Medallion recipient will be chosen from these three finalists and will receive a $500 cash prize together with a Career Development Scholarship to the value of $2,500 from The Skills Organisation. This is a major prize designed to build the winner’s career progression.
PLUMBING FINALIST Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd
GASFITTING FINALIST Marieke Oram – Clyne and Bennie Ltd
DRAINLAYING FINALIST Daniel Collins – Evergreen Plumbing Group Ltd
WINNER Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd
Jackson Women in Plumbing
This award recognises a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry.
WINNER Andrea Lovell – Heron Plumbing, Auckland
Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry
This award is presented in recognition of values important to Graeme Smith’s career and personal involvement in the industry. It recognises commitment to Master Plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers.
WINNER Aaron Rink – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton
Master Plumbers Business Partner of the Year
This award recognises a Master Plumbers business partner who is commitment to Master Plumbers as well as contributes and supports the success of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry.
WINNER Allproof Industries
New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year
This award recognises a Master Plumbers member that can clearly demonstrate its business acumen and drive for success. The recipient will exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and service.
WINNER Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas
About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards
The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry and are presented at a gala dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference. Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Awards – Dunedin apprentice Trent Toomey named overall winner of Plumbing World scholarship at 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Dunedin apprentice Trent Toomey has been named the overall winner of the prestigious Plumbing World Scholarship, recognised for his outstanding dedication, determination, and maturity well beyond his 21 years.
The third-year Masterlink apprentice was presented with his Plumbing World Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Ceremony on Friday 2 May, held this year in Brisbane, Australia.
Toomey’s ambition and determination to succeed made him a standout nominee. His host company and employers, Shelley and Sean Reynolds, owners of Gas and Water Ltd. in Dunedin, highlighted his strong work ethic and proactive attitude.
“Trent actively seeks out areas where he can contribute, anticipating how the job is to be done, and is eager to learn new skills,” they shared, adding, “If Trent completes his scheduled work before the end of the working day, he does not hesitate to request additional jobs,” say Shelley and Sean Reynolds.
His eagerness to learn has meant in just three years, Toomey has already passed his plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying registration exams with high marks, and was able to complete his certifying exams in March.
The Reynolds’ noted that Toomey’s value to the company goes well beyond his technical skills, reflecting his broader contributions to the team and the industry.
“Trent turns up to work every day with a smile on his face and is enthusiastic no matter what job he has been assigned for the day”.
Last year, Toomey won the Trustees Apprentice Award for Otago at the 2024 Mac Mackenzie Trust Awards, recognising second-year apprentices who excel in their training or overcome significant challenges.
Toomey’s Masterlink Regional Manager, Danny Ledwith, also praised his determination and initiative.
“Twelve months ago, Trent took full responsibility for his learning and committed to completing all of his online and on-job assessments, impressively getting ahead of the curriculum by finishing assessments before they were even released. His proactive attitude toward his apprenticeship is a clear demonstration of his personal growth and maturity,” says Mr Ledwith.
The Plumbing World Scholarship is awarded annually to three Masterlink apprentices who show outstanding commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner also receiving conference registration to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference, including flights, accommodation, and a guest ticket for the New Zealand Plumbing Awards.
In addition to Toomey, Blake Jones-Downes and Rory Van Vroonhoven also received the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship, each taking home a $1,000 Plumbing World credit and tickets to attend the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
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Nowhere to go for robbery offenders

Source:

Police had eyes in many places, arresting a group of offenders following an aggravated robbery in Titirangi last night.

The trio were eventually arrested in Takanini after being tracked across the region.

Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie says offenders arrived at a dairy on Titirangi Road just after 8.30pm.

“The offenders attempted to steal a range of items from the store, including the till, but only managed to take some food items.

“During the course of the offending, the store worker was knocked to the ground and threatened with a weapon, but was not injured.”

Both offenders fled in a vehicle from the scene.

A Police camera operator soon located this vehicle travelling on Portage Road.

“The camera operator was able to guide the Police helicopter to its location, where it took over observations,” Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says.

“It was seen travelling onto the South-Western motorway where it failed to stop for a unit.”

The vehicle was successfully spiked on Porchester Road, before eventually coming to a stop.

Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says three occupants fled from the vehicle and were soon arrested by Police.

Those arrested include the 20-year-old driver and two passengers, aged 13 and 14.

The driver faces charges of aggravated robbery, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

A 14-year-old has also been charged with aggravated robbery.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police 

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Fatal workplace incident, Te Anau

Source:

One person has died following a workplace incident at a Manapouri Te Anau Highway premises this afternoon.

Police were called to the address about 3.30pm.

Sadly the person died at the scene.

The death will be referred to WorkSafe and the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Arrests made following Hastings gang-related tangi

Source:

Attributable to Inspector Caroline Martin, Hawke’s Bay Area Prevention Manager

Hawke’s Bay Police monitored a gang-related tangi taking place in the Hastings area today.

During the tangi gang insignia breaches and traffic offending were identified.

Police made a number of arrests and seized and impounded three vehicles involved in the tangi.

Where breaches and traffic offending were not able to be dealt with at the time by Police, information has been collated to assist with further follow up action. Police will not tolerate unlawful activity, and will be working to hold people to account.

Police encourage the public to report any instances of unlawful activity to police so we can take appropriate action. If you have any information in relation to the tangi today please contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.

Please reference file number 250502/1280.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Name Release, Fatal Crash, Owhata

Source:

Police can now release the name of the man who died in a two-vehicle crash on Te Ngae Road, Owhata, on Friday 25 April.

He was Shubhkarman Singh, 33, of Owhata.

Police extend their condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.

All occupants involved in the crash have been identified. The Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

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Recall of specific batches of Ārepa drinks as they may cause injury due to a packaging fault

Source: police-emblem-97

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Alphagen NZ Limited in its recall of specific batches of Ārepa brand The Brain Drink as it may cause injury due to a packaging fault (chipped top of glass bottle).

“The concern with some 300ml bottles of Ārepa’s The Brain Drink for Performance is that due to a packaging fault the glass on the top of the bottle maybe chipped,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

Batch details of the specific products are on the NZFS recall page.

Food recall: Ārepa brand The Brain Drink for Performance

“If you have any of these affected products at home, don’t drink them. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”

The affected products – which are sold at supermarkets and retailers nationwide – have been removed from store shelves.

They have been exported to Australia and NZFS has contacted the relevant authorities.

Visit NZFS’s recall page for batch details, up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.

NZFS has received a notification of associated injury.

“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Alphagen to understand how this happened and implement corrective actions,” says Mr Arbuckle.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page.

For more information please email: NZFoodSafety_media@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

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Companies, directors, and managers fined more than $1.6 million

Source: police-emblem-97

A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1,629,500.00 for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit, following an investigation and prosecution by New Zealand Food Safety.

In a sentence released today by the Manukau District Court, Tuakau Proteins Limited, Taranaki By-Products Limited, Wallace Proteins Limited, Stephen Dahlenburg, Paul Drake, Glenn Smith, Glenninburg Holdings Limited, SBT Group Limited, GrainCorp Commodity Management (NZ) Limited and GrainCorp Liquid Terminals NZ Limited, were all sentenced on various charges under the Animal Products Act.

Tallow is rendered from animal fat into a range of products, in this case it was exported for use in biofuels. Its production is regulated under the Animal Products Act and exporters must meet domestic New Zealand standards with a Risk Management Programme (RMP) along with the rules of importing countries.

The defendants worked together to mix tallow with adulterants, including out of specification products containing unknown quantities of unknown various fats and oils, says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.

“The price of tallow is based on its free fatty acid level (FFA) and the lower the level, the higher the price. By illegally adding other oils, the defendants were able to command a higher price by lowering the free fatty acid levels. Following a lengthy and complex investigation, food safety investigators found this offending was deliberate to maximise profits.”

Mr Arbuckle says these companies’ directors and managers knew their responsibilities under the law.

“The rules for export are there for a reason – to ensure the product is fit for its intended purpose and meets the requirements of importing countries.

“While there was no food safety issue identified with the offending, people and organisations that deliberately try to get around the rules can damage New Zealand’s valuable trade reputation which has been built over generations by high quality exports and backed by our robust food safety system.”

The investigation was sparked by a whistleblower who notified New Zealand Food Safety that vegetable oil may have been blended with tallow for export.

“We followed up on the tip and the investigation broadened over time as investigators gathered evidence. They were eventually able to prove that several companies and individuals worked together to illegally export more than 8,000 tonnes of non-compliant tallow.

“Tuakau Proteins Ltd, Taranaki By-Products Ltd and Wallace Proteins Ltd all owned rendering plants that make tallow. These companies, managers and directors worked together to create this product.

“The prosecution was the result of a meticulous and long-running investigation which made connections between multiple defendants and proved deliberate offending.

“Today’s result is a credit to the persistence and expertise of food safety investigators who stuck with what was a very complex case to bring the defendants before the courts. Their efforts send a strong message to those who would try to circumvent the rules for profit – we will pursue and prosecute,” Mr Arbuckle said.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

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Shellfish biotoxin warning for Western Firth of Thames

Source: police-emblem-97

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered in the Western Firth of Thames region due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins.

“Routine tests on shellfish from Waimangu Point have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins over the safe limit,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

The warning extends from the mouth of the Waitakaruru River up to Pakatoa Island and across to the mid-point of the Firth.

See the map of the warning for Western Firth of Thames

“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick.

“Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban. Kina are still safe to eat.

“It’s also important to know that cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin.”

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:

  • numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • dizziness and headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.

Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking.

New Zealand Food Safety has had no notifications of associated illness.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

“New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle.

Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Find out more

Shellfish biotoxin alerts

Subscribe to shellfish biotoxins to receive email alerts

See signage in the affected area.

Podcast about shellfish contamination

Collecting shellfish and keeping them safe [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Causes and symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning

About toxic algal blooms

Food safety for seafood gatherers booklet [PDF, 1.2 MB]